Located in the heart of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie on the island of St. Thomas is a bustling port city known for its historic sites, crystal-clear beaches, and vibrant local culture. As a popular cruise destination, it offers visitors a mix of relaxation and adventure, from exploring pirate history at Blackbeard’s Castle to soaking up the sun at Magens Bay. Whether you’re shopping duty-free at Havensight Mall or enjoying the panoramic views from Paradise Point, Charlotte Amalie is a must-visit on any Caribbean itinerary.
Currency and Language:
- Currency: U.S Dollar (USD)
- Languages: English (dominant), Spanish
Cultural and Culinary Information:
Charlotte Amalie is known for its diverse culinary scene blending Caribbean flavors with international influences. Key dishes include Mofongo (a Puerto Rican dish), Roti, and fresh seafood like lobster and snapper. The vibrant culture is a fusion of African, European, and indigenous Caribbean traditions, which is reflected in its festivals, music, and art.
Top 10 Sites and Activities in Charlotte Amalie
- Magens Bay Beach
- This world-renowned beach offers crystal-clear waters and white sand, perfect for swimming and relaxing. It is family-friendly with facilities like a bar, picnic areas, and equipment rentals.
- Cost: $5 entrance fee per person.
- Distance from Port: 5 miles
- More Info: Magens Bay Beach
- Skyride to Paradise Point
- The Skyride offers breathtaking views of the island and harbor as you ascend 700 feet up to Paradise Point. At the top, enjoy local food, drinks, and shops.
- Cost: $21 per person.
- Distance from Port: 1 mile
- More Info: Skyride to Paradise Point
- Blackbeard’s Castle
- Explore the historic pirate-themed attraction featuring a tower with panoramic views of Charlotte Amalie. The grounds include beautiful gardens and several colonial-era buildings.
- Cost: $15 per person.
- Distance from Port: 0.7 miles
- More Info: Blackbeard’s Castle
- Coral World Ocean Park
- This marine park offers up-close encounters with sea life, including turtles, sharks, and stingrays, along with an underwater observatory and snorkeling opportunities.
- Cost: $24 per adult.
- Distance from Port: 7 miles
- More Info: Coral World Ocean Park
- 99 Steps
- Climb the historic 99 steps built by the Danes in the 18th century, leading you to breathtaking views of the city and harbor.
- Cost: Free.
- Distance from Port: 0.5 miles
- More Info: 99 Steps Information
- Fort Christian
- he oldest standing structure in the Virgin Islands, this fort now serves as a museum detailing the island’s history and culture. Cost: $10 per person.
- Distance from Port: 0.3 miles
- More Info: Fort Christian
- Havensight Mall
- Located close to the port, this mall offers a variety of duty-free shops, local boutiques, and dining options. Perfect for souvenir shopping.
- Cost: Free to visit.
- Distance from Port: 0.2 miles
- More Info: Havensight Mall
- Lindquist Beach
- This quieter, more secluded beach offers stunning scenery and is perfect for swimming and relaxing away from the more crowded spots.
- Cost: $5 entrance fee per person.
- Distance from Port: 8 miles
- More Info: Lindquist Beach
- Mountain Top
- At 1,500 feet, this is the highest point on St. Thomas and offers stunning views of Magens Bay and other islands. It is also famous for its banana daiquiris.
- Cost: Free to visit.
- Distance from Port: 5 miles
- More Info: Mountain Top
- Drake’s Seat
- A famous viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Magens Bay and the surrounding area. Legend says Sir Francis Drake himself once used this lookout.
- Cost: Free.
- Distance from Port: 4.5 miles
- More Info: Drake’s Seat
Top 5 Tourist Activities Charlotte Amalie is Known For:
- Beach Day at Magens Bay
- Skyride to Paradise Point
- Historic Fort Christian
- Shopping at Havensight Mall
- Exploring Blackbeard’s Castle
Top 3 Most Popular Restaurants in Charlotte Amalie:
- Oceana Restaurant & Bistro
- Known for: Fresh seafood and stunning waterfront views.
- Top Dish: Grilled lobster.
- Distance from Port: 2 miles
- Menu: Oceana Restaurant
- Amalia Café
- Known for: Spanish cuisine with a focus on tapas and fresh ingredients.
- Top Dish: Paella.
- Distance from Port: 0.4 miles
- Menu: Amalia Café
- Grande Cru Restaurant
- Known for: Fine dining and an extensive wine list.
- Top Dish: Duck confit.
- Distance from Port: 0.5 miles
- Menu: Grande Cru
Top 3 Most Popular Cafes in Charlotte Amalie:
- Glady’s Café
- Known for: Local Caribbean cuisine and homemade hot sauce.
- Top Dish: Roti.
- Distance from Port: 0.8 miles
- Menu: Glady’s Café
- Bumpa’s
- Known for: Breakfast sandwiches and freshly baked pastries.
- Top Dish: Breakfast sandwich with egg and ham.
- Distance from Port: 0.3 miles
- Menu: Bumpa’s
- Barefoot Buddha
- Known for: Organic coffee, vegan options, and fresh salads.
- Top Dish: Buddha Bowl.
- Distance from Port: 0.7 mile
- Menu: Barefoot Buddha
Events in Charlotte Amalie:
Carnival in St. Thomas (April to early May): One of the island’s largest events, with parades, music, and food celebrations.
UNESCO World Heritage Site:
While Charlotte Amalie does not have a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is rich in cultural history, especially with landmarks like Fort Christian and Blackbeard’s Castle, which give insight into the island’s colonial past and pirate lore.
National Parks:
Virgin Islands National Park (St. John)
Located on nearby St. John, this park preserves over 60% of the island and offers hiking trails, pristine beaches, and coral reefs for snorkeling.
Distance: Accessible by ferry from St. Thomas (45-minute ride).
More Info: Virgin Islands National Park